Think, Feel + Connection Better
The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is a research-based auditory intervention developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. The SSP restores the nervous system, and is designed to reduce stress and auditory sensitivity while enhancing social engagement and resilience.
SSP Highlights
Science-based:
- Calms the emotional and physiological state by improving vagal regulation of the heart and improving auditory functions
- Addresses difficulties in social communication
Non-invasive and easy to use:
- Used by children, teens and adults
- Can accelerate subsequent interventions and therapies
- Delivered by certified trained professionals from a variety of backgrounds: occupational therapists, educators, speech and language specialists, mental health and medical professionals.
What equipment do I need?
- Apple or Android phone or tablet
- Over-the-ear headphones without noise-cancelling
- Wifi
Any over-ear headphones without noise-cancelling may be used.
How Does It Work?
This non-invasive intervention involves listening to music that has been processed specifically to retune the nervous system (regulating state) to introduce a sense of safety and the ability to socially engage. This allows the client to better interpret not only human speech, but, importantly, the emotional meaning of language. Once interpersonal interactions improve, spontaneous social behaviors and an enhanced ability to learn, self-regulate and engage are often seen.
Selected Research And Publications On The SSP And The Polyvagal Theory By Dr. Stephen Porges
Completed Peer-Reviewed Studies (involving 292 subjects)
Reducing Auditory Hypersensitivities in Autistic Spectrum Disorder
5 clinical trials in progress to evaluate the effectiveness of the LPP/SSP in:
- Children with a trauma history. Funded by the Australian Childhood Foundation.
- People with ADD who have difficulties with autonomic and/or behavioral regulation. In cooperation with: ADD Centre and Biofeedback Institute of Toronto.
- Emotionally disturbed and learning-challenged young people who have difficulties with autonomic and/or behavioral regulation. Funded by the Reiss-Davis Child Study Center of Vista Del Mar, California.
- Decreasing the atypical features of the Social Engagement System in adolescents with Prader Willi Syndrome. In cooperation with the Latham Centers School in Brewster, Massachusetts.
- Reducing chronic pain in a sample of older adults. In cooperation with the Meadowood Retirement Community in Bloomington, Indiana.
View testimonials: Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) Video Library
